Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that causes stiffness, swelling and pain. It also causes the loss of joint function. RA begins when your immune system, starts attacking healthy tissue. Inflammation follows and you become less mobile.

It can result in permanent joint damage and should be managed by a Rheumalotogist. Contact us to set up an appointment to discuss issues if you feel you may be suffering from this debilitating disease.

Lupus

Lupus is a disease that affects the body’s auto immune system. If you are suffering from this disease, your immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks your normal healthy tissue. You may experience inflammation, damage to the skin, joints, kidneys, blood, heart and lungs.
People with this disease may have different symptons including extreme fatigue, swollen joints, unexplained fever, and skin rashes.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is caused due to wear and tear on a joint. The cartilage may break down and wear away. This causes swelling, stiffness and pain. Bony spurs or extra bone may form around the joint area. You may also experience joint weakness and stiffness of the ligaments. Osteoarthritis usually appears around middle age. It is found in men and women. It is more common in women after the age of 55.

Clinical Trials

Rheumatology Associates participates in clinical trials to offer additional options to patients who have tried various drugs without benefit,or otherwise may not have access to treatment. Rheumatology Associates conducts clinical trials according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Guidelines issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Code of Federal Regulations. We participate in multiple Phase II to Phase IV pharmaceutical trials, on an outpatient basis. Many of our physicians have attended Investigator GCP Training Seminars and our research manager is a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator. Specific areas of interest include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Gout, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, and Systemic Lupus.

Principle Investigator: Pamela G. Freeman, M.D.

Participation in clinical trials is voluntary, patients are evaluated by the Principle Investigator or Sub-Investigators at protocol specific intervals. Procedures involved in clinical trials may include: X-rays, EKG, Physical Exam, Joint Assessments, lab work. Depending on the protocol, procedures may also include injection or infusion of drug. These procedures are performed at no cost to the patient and many trials provide reimbursement to the subject for their time and travel to visits.Further information about current clinical trials can be obtained by calling 407-859-4540 or email to info@rheu.net (keep subject as 'reasearch').